Travelling is a second-nature for human beings. We all love travelling. Moreover, if the destination is not just a place or country, but a whole continent, then what more could one ask for!
Europe happens to be the paradise for solo backpacking trips. Here, we will delve into some essentials to help you plan and execute one of such trips. Planning is central to a successful backpacking adventure. If everything is well planned, then you would be in a position to enjoy your trip to the fullest.
Things to Checkout
Prior to beginning your backpacking trip, you should ensure that the following are in place:
• Ensure that your bag is incredibly strong and durable. It is advisable not to use suitcases; backpacks are always the best and convenient. That is the reason we call it backpacking! You may be fooled to believe wheeled-suitcases are convenient, but trust me they are not. It is a real pain to carry suit-cases around while travelling in railways.
Things to Checkout
Prior to beginning your backpacking trip, you should ensure that the following are in place:
• Ensure that your bag is incredibly strong and durable. It is advisable not to use suitcases; backpacks are always the best and convenient. That is the reason we call it backpacking! You may be fooled to believe wheeled-suitcases are convenient, but trust me they are not. It is a real pain to carry suit-cases around while travelling in railways.
• Shoes weigh a lot. So don’t pack shoes, get flip-flops instead. Pack decent clothes and a good mix of formals and in-formals to suit every occasion.
• Pack essentials like a torch, medicines, a travel guide book and your identity documents carefully. Ensure that you carry your smart phone, adapters and headphones.
• Obtain an ‘Inter-rail Pass’ so that you can criss-cross any number of trains any number of times!
Into the trip, you will need to keep a check on the following:
• Stay aware: Scam artists are abounding at all places so you need to be very careful of your surroundings. This will save you from getting robbed.
• Stay Polite: Speak slowly and be patient if people don’t understand you or your English. Politeness is the best way to win hearts and make your visit a memorable one.
• Read up the guide-book well ahead of visiting a particular destination and prepare yourself accordingly.
• Update your status regularly with family and loved ones using Facebook or Twitter. If you are from the Indian subcontinent and feel nostalgic, you can even send gifts for Pakistan or your India based relatives using the excellent online delivery services of gifting sites.
• Avoid getting into ‘bad business’ during travel like visiting Casino’s, Stripping clubs and Pubs.
Places to Lookout
• For Party - Barcelona, Prague, Berlin, Amsterdam, London, and Paris.
• For History & Culture - Rome, Venice, Budapest, Munich, Brussels’, Stockholm, London.
• Scenic Beauty - Bavarian areas around Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Amsterdam, Berlin, Hamburg, Copenhagen, Prague, Salzburg and Sylt Island.
The list of places to visit in Europe is not restricted to this list alone. You will have to plan a great itinerary by adding and deleting destinations and creating your custom route to get the most out of your visit. Needless to say that, Europe is ‘Pandora’ for the backpackers and provides a great experience to cherish for a lifetime.
Happy Backpacking!
